Some good.
Some bad.
Well, the good news is....
.... I finally managed to snag my 'dream job' in Journalism.
The bad news is....
... I need 3 more friends to climb the corporate ladder. And I've been spending far too much time sharing toddler duties with Ginny that I haven't had time to socialise.
Also, I almost lost my job too.
Ginny confirmed her pregnancy to me, but this time it's really taking it out of her and her needs are dropping rapidly.
I was so busy feeding and settling Helen that I missed the car pool. And because of the rising costs of diapers and stuff, we can't afford a car.
Luckily, they were pretty lenient when I explained about Ginny and Helen.
I'll just have to remember to turn in on time.
Helen is such a joy to behold. She's a fast learner too. Managed to walk and talk within a few days and adores the nursery rhymes I sing to her.
She's also building up a lot of skills too. Already, she's created some wonderful drawings for us.
Her first attempt was a scribble, but so adorable.
And then, a bird.
We've got those pinned to the wall as trophies of her achievements.
So, to reward her, I decided to adopt a kitten called Cleo.
Ginny looked a little troubled when she saw the police car pulling up outside. Until the officer came in and handed us the adoption papers.
Tottering along, a little unsteady on her feet, arrived Cleo, a little ginger tabby with the sweetest disposition.
I couldn't resist scooping her up in my over-large hands and snuggling her.
Helen fell in love with her immediately, giving her the cutest little hugs you've ever seen. Not sure how Cleo feels, however, being put into a stranglehold by an overzealous toddler.
Ginny hasn't quite accepted Cleo yet. I guess it's because, at present, her pregnancy is giving her hell. And her hormones are all over the place. It's so odd, she never had this problem when she was carrying Helen.
But Cleo adores finger wiggles, even though her claws are sharp.
And she looks so cute, stretched out on that cushion we bought for her too.
I felt a little guilty because I was spending a lot of time either at work or with Helen, that I thought I'd give Ginny a little attention too.
I caught her in the kitchen, looking radiant, but tired and swept her up into a hug.
She'd gotten so big lately, I hadn't noticed.
It was fast approaching Helen's birthday, and knowing how shy she is, we decided not to have a party, or she'd probably have had a screaming bout.
Scooping her in my arms, I took her to the cake and made a wish for her.
Blowing out the candles, I set her on the floor and waited.
Ginny, even though she was thoroughly exhausted and desperately needed the toilet and a bath, stayed for the celebrations.
And lo and behold, through the confetti, appeared our little girl Helen.
After a quick makeover, we all agreed that she turned out pretty well.
I guess she takes after me too.
For as soon as was possible, she was found, flexing her muscles and warming up at the barre.
I feel so proud.....
..... and yet, so old too.
She's definitely a 'daddy's girl' though, as she soon joined me on the settee for a general chat, before getting a snuggle from her 'old man'. That is until she spied Cleo trotting about.
I can see Cleo and Helen becoming inseparable.
Because I hadn't been keeping an eye on things recently, I couldn't help noticing that a couple of appliances needed repairing. Especially that trash compactor.
I recalled my teen days, my head within millimetres of rotting garbage, as I fished around with a screwdriver, trying to fix the problem.
And it happened.
I must have caught a loose wire or something, as I went up in a blue flash, my whole life flashing before my eyes.
But that's not all.
As I was wiping the soot from my eyes, the damned thing set alight too.
All I could think of, whilst I was dancing around half naked, was the safety of Ginny and Helen.
Luckily the fire brigade were here in no time to put it out.
After my bath, I felt really exhausted.
I checked in on Helen, to find she was sound asleep.
Ginny, by now was getting restless and started pacing about.
It must be her 'due date' soon.
I'd barely even pulled the covers over myself when I heard that only too familiar sound.....
..... Ginny in labour.
In the bathroom no less, screaming and puffing and panting.
I'm surprised Helen didn't hear the racket she was making.
That child is a very sound sleeper.
That's for sure.
Well, standing yelling in the bedroom wasn't really helping Ginny as she pushed with all her might.
And brought into our world....
I really must go now, Ginny screaming blue blooming murder, so I'd better go and find out what she wants.
Signing out
Ambrose.
